METHODOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN THE STUDY OF FRAIL ELDERLY PEOPLE

The purpose of this paper is to increase the awareness of gerontologic al nurse researchers about methodological, theoretical and ethical iss ues that are unique and critical to the study of frail elderly people. Discussion focuses on: (a) sampling, recruitment, informed consent an d retention of subjects; (b) selection and adaptation of measurement i nstruments; (c) implementation of treatment modalities and data collec tion protocols; (d) theoretical shortcomings; and (e) ethical concerns . Such issues must be resolved if answers are to be found for multiple health problems that pose such a heavy burden for many frail elderly people. As the number in this highly vulnerable group increases, geron tological nurse scientists, like all health care researchers, must bet ter understand their needs and discover their strengths. We must desig n innovative research protocols to capture that information.